Baby Kenny

Clothed, roofed and sheltered, hemmed in by grey walls
she's checked thrice daily to make sure she's there –
as if there were another place to go.

But other places have all been destroyed,
burnt, sacked and all her next of kin is dead
and so sad safety's all she has acquired –

cold comfort. As she dully stares ahead
emotions seldom brighten up those eyes
that only shine when some stray song line strikes

notes well-remembered, and she'll shyly start
to hum along and softly soothe herself
with all that's left her, treasured in her heart.